How to Replace Bike Pedals

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

When bike pedals get worn down or loosened, it's time for them to be replaced. Fortunately, you can easily replace your bike pedals at home using a few simple tools. When you replace your bike pedals, take the time to install the new pedals correctly so you don’t have a hard time taking them off in the future.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Old Pedals

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-1.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your bike has a kickstand, rest your bike on it. If your bike doesn't have a kickstand, lean it up against a wall or a table so it stays upright. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/83\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-2.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look at the space in between the pedal and the crank arm (the metal arm that your pedals are attached to). If you see flats for a spanner (wrench) to grip on, you’ll need to use a pedal spanner (wrench). If you don’t see spanner (wrench) flats, check for a hexagonal Allen-key (wrench) socket at the end of the axle that connects the pedal to the crank arm. If you see the socket, you’ll need an Allen-key (wrench). [2]
    • If you need to use a pedal spanner (wrench), a 15 mm (0.59 in) wrench will usually work for an adult bike. For some children’s bikes, you will need a 9 ⁄ 16  in (14 mm) spanner (wrench). Some pedal spanners (wrenches) have openings in both of these standard sizes.
    • A 6 mm (0.24 in) Allen-key (wrench) will usually work for bikes with Allen-key (wrench) sockets.
    • Some bike pedals are designed so you can use either a pedal spanner (wrench) or an Allen-key (wrench). If you see spanner (wrench) flats on your bike pedal, still check the end of the axle to see if there’s an Allen-key (wrench) socket there.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-3.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re using a pedal spanner (wrench), wrap the jaws of the spanner (wrench) around the spanner (wrench) flats between the pedal and the crank arm. If you’re using an Allen-key (wrench), insert the hexagonal end of the spanner (wrench) into the Allen-key (wrench) socket on the end of the pedal axle. [3]
    • Make sure you start with the right pedal. The direction you need to rotate the spanner (wrench) to loosen the right pedal is different to the left pedal.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-4.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re using a pedal spanner (wrench), make a half rotation and lift the spanner (wrench) off the flats. Hold onto the opposite pedal while you do this to give yourself more leverage. Replace the spanner (wrench) on the flats with the handle back up at the top so you can make another half rotation. Continue to crank the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise until the pedal is fully loosened. [4]
    • If you’re using an Allen-key (wrench), the socket will likely be on the inside of the pedal spindle. This means you will need to turn the Allen-key (wrench) clockwise (while the spindle itself rotates counterclockwise, from the outside perspective).
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-5.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The pedal should slide out of the hole on the crank arm now that you’ve loosened it. If the pedal is still in good condition, store it somewhere in case you need a pedal in the future. [5]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-6.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The thread on the left pedal is the opposite of the thread on the right pedal. This keeps the left pedal from unscrewing as you’re riding your bike. Use the pedal spanner (wrench) or Allen wrench to unscrew the left pedal until it’s completely loosened. Then, pull the pedal out of the hole and set it with the right pedal. [6]
    • If you’re using an Allen wrench on a socket positioned inside the pedal spindle, you will need to turn it counterclockwise.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Putting on the New Pedals

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-7.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The grease will prevent your bike pedals from seizing so you don’t have a hard time getting them off later on. Use enough grease to thinly coat the threads. [7]
    • You can find waterproof grease online or at your local bike shop.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-8.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The right pedal should have a small “R” on it to indicate that it’s the right pedal. Don’t push the pedal into the hole or you could damage the threads. Only the end of the new pedal should be resting in the pedal hole. [8]
    • Before you start using the wrench, do a few turns by hand to ensure that the threads on the new pedal are aligned correctly.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-9.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re using a pedal wrench, wrap the jaws of the wrench around the wrench flats on the new pedal. If you’re using an Allen wrench, insert the hexagonal end of the wrench through the pedal hole and into the Allen wrench socket on the end of the pedal axle. [9]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-10.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Continue to rotate the spanner (wrench) clockwise until the pedal is completely tightened. If you’re using a pedal spanner (wrench), make half rotations and then lift and bring the spanner (wrench) back up to the top of the pedal before you make another half rotation. [10]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-11.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Rotate the spanner (wrench) counterclockwise until the left pedal is secure. [11]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-12.jpg\/aid9509211-v4-728px-Replace-Bike-Pedals-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pull on the pedals gently to make sure they feel secure. If you feel any play (looseness) in the bearing, then the pedals need to be tightened. [12] Turn the pedals on their bearings and make sure they turn smoothly.
    • Newly installed pedals usually do not spin freely, since the bearings need time to break in.
    • You can also check the axel alignment by turning the pedal crank backwards and watching the pedals carefully. They should stay in the same plane, perpendicular to the crank circle, for the entire rotation.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    My left bike pedal came off and I can't get it back on.
    Community Answer
    Apply waterproof grease inside the bike pedal. Tighten the pedal with a wrench. You may need to buy a new pedal from a repair shop and follow the instructions above.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You’ll Need

      • Allen-key (wrench)
      • Pedal spanner (wrench)
      • Waterproof grease

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Adjust Disc Brakes on a Bike
      How to
      Change a Crank
      How to
      Remove Rust from a Bike
      How to
      Take the Pedals Off a Bike
      How to
      Replace a Bike Hub
      How to
      Replace Road Bike Brakes
      How to
      Adjust a Rear Bicycle Derailleur
      How to Stop a Bicycle Rim from Wobbling
      How to
      Grease Bicycle Wheel Bearings
      How to
      Break a Chain
      How to
      Take Stickers Off a Bike
      How to
      Fix Bike Gear Wire
      How to
      Fix an Exercise Bike
      How to
      Adjust a Front Bicycle Derailleur
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bikeride.com/replace-pedals/
      2. ↑ http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/pedalbasics.html
      3. ↑ http://www.madegood.org/bikes/repair/replace-bike-pedal/
      4. ↑ https://www.bikeride.com/replace-pedals/
      5. ↑ http://www.madegood.org/bikes/repair/replace-bike-pedal/
      6. ↑ https://www.bikeride.com/replace-pedals/
      7. ↑ https://www.bikeride.com/replace-pedals/
      8. ↑ http://www.madegood.org/bikes/repair/replace-bike-pedal/
      9. ↑ http://www.madegood.org/bikes/repair/replace-bike-pedal/
      1. ↑ http://www.madegood.org/bikes/repair/replace-bike-pedal/
      2. ↑ https://www.bikeride.com/replace-pedals/
      3. ↑ http://www.madegood.org/bikes/repair/check-a-bike-pedal/?task=replace-a-bike-pedal

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you replace your bike pedals, examine your pedals to see if you need an Allen wrench or pedal wrench. Once you have the right wrench, use it to remove the right pedal first by rotating it counterclockwise until the pedal is loosened. Repeat on the left pedal, but rotate the wrench clockwise this time. Once the old pedals are off, insert the new pedals into the pedal holes and tighten them into place with the wrench. For more tips on replacing your bike pedals, like why you should use a waterproof grease, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 167,191 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement